NASHVILLE, Tenn. - After starting the season 5-0 for the first time since 2001, Tennessee State broke into the Top 25, coming in at No. 24 in the FCS Coaches poll released on Monday.

It marks the first time the Tigers have been ranked since Nov. 17, 2008, when they were 25th in both major polls. TSU was ranked as high as 18th that season when the team started the year 8-2.

TSU is one of just 11 undefeated teams left in the FCS and one of the six teams to have a 5-0 record.

The Tigers opponent this week, Eastern Kentucky, placed 16th in the Coaches poll. It is the highest ranking for the Colonels since they were 16th on Oct. 5, 2009, right before losing to Tennessee State that week.